What is “New Diaspora Judaism”?
by Rabbi Arthur Waskow
Rabbi Shaul Magid, a Dartmouth scholar and public intellectual, author of the new book The Necessity of Exile, will be leading a webinar on “New Diaspora Judaism” from 7:30 to 9pm Eastern time (4:30 Pacific time) on Thursday evening April 25, the fifth evening of Pesach. His work and thought have caught the attention of the NY Times.
As American Jews face what many of them think is a terribly wrong turn by the present government of the State of Israel, many have been spurred to think afresh about a new kind of Diaspora. Jewish diasporas — “dispersions” from the Land of Israel — have emerged for thousands of years into the past. Something about Diaspora creativity attracted centuries of Jewish thinkers and do-ers — responding perhaps to the wisdom of other communities, or even sometimes to their nasty overlordship. One major example: The rabbis greatly preferred the Babylonian Talmud, created by teachers in the Babylonian diaspora, to the Jerusalem Talmud.
Perhaps the Jewish cultural values of compassion and justice came from living where we did not rule the roost. The NEW diaspora must as in American Jewish life embody enough empowerment so that we can walk free but not trample on others’ needs. Instead, could we struggle passionately, lovingly, and effectively for justice?
One most interesting vision of Jewish community is Magid’s new book The Necessity of Exile. The whole notion and practice of a deliberate New Diaspora Judaism promises to become more and more important in the next years. Explore it early!
The webinar will include shared discussion by the community. It will be recorded and will be made available to those who register beforehand but cannot make that specific night, To register, please click here:
We invite that you make this and other such programs possible by contributing $36, or $18 if you seek mutual aid, or $72 if you are able to make mutual aid possible.
Many thanks! I hope to see you there on April 25!
Shalom, salaam, peace
— Arthur
